John Willison – The Church’s Danger, The Minister’s Duty – 1733

John Willison (1680–1750), Scottish divine, was born in 1680 During the controversy which ended in the deposition of Ebenezer Erskine and his followers, Willison exerted himself to the utmost to prevent a schism. At the synod of Angus in 1733, he preached a sermon urging conciliatory measures, which was published under the title ‘The Church’s Danger.Willison was one of the most eminent evangelical clergymen of his time. He was remarkable for his combination of personal piety with public spirit, and, though frequently engaged in controversy, ‘there was no asperity in what he said or wrote.’ Faithful in every department of duty, he was especially noted for his diligence in catechizing the young and in visiting the sick. He died on 3 May 1750 in the seventieth year of his age and was buried in the South Church, Dundee. Wikisource

Mr Willison is described as having been most exemplary in all the relations of life, and singularly faithful and laborious in the discharge of the important duties of his sacred office, especially in visiting and comforting the sick. In this benevolent work he made no distinction between the rich and the poor, or, if he did, it was in favour of the latter. Neither did he confine his exertions in such cases to those of his own persuasion, but with a truly christian liberality of sentiment, readily obeyed the calls of all in affliction, whatever their religious creed might be, who sought his aid.